A NEW post-mortem on the body of a mother who died almost 20 years ago and was exhumed yesterday will determine whether a murder investigation is launched into her death.

The late Margaret 'Margot' Seery (42) was found dead in a flat in Dublin on October 8, 1994.

An inquest into her death concluded she died of asphyxiation after choking - and foul play was not suspected.

However, during the summer a man walked into Terenure Garda Station in Dublin and claimed he had killed the 42-year-old, who was originally from Rathkeale in Co Limerick.

The man, who is understood to have a history of psychiatric problems, brought detectives to the flat where Mrs Seery died.

It's believed he outlined a series of events to officers, including how he met the mother of one and spent the evening socialising with her.

Following her death Mrs Seery, whose maiden name was Guinane, was buried alongside her parents, Cis and Michael Guinane, and her aunt, Hannah Guinane, in St Mary's burial ground in Rathkeale, Co Limerick.

The exhumation of Ms Seery's body followed an application to the Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald earlier this month.

Shortly after 7.30am yesterday the Guinane family plot was screened off from public viewing by large plastic sheeting and local grave diggers overseen by members of the Garda Technical Bureau began the exhumation process.

Three uniformed gardai secured the area, which was designated a crime scene.

The Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis, accompanied by a forensic anthropologist, arrived at the graveyard shortly after midday and carried out a preliminary examination.

Dr Curtis later carried out a new post-mortem at University Hospital Limerick, the results of which will determine if the investigation is upgraded to a murder inquiry. The inquiry is being led by Detective Inspector George McGeary of Terenure Garda Station.

Speaking in Rathkeale, West Limerick Coroner Brendan Nix (SC) said the matter was part of a garda investigation "which is ongoing and will be ongoing for some time".

Ms Seery, who was separated at the time of her death, is survived by one daughter, who lives in Australia, and two brothers who still reside in west Limerick.

Her late parents were well respected locally and at one time ran a newsagents on Main Street in Rathkeale where they lived.

It is understood one of the family members visited the graveyard yesterday while the exhumation procedure was going on. Relatives and friends of the deceased gathered at the graveside for a prayer service.